Temporary foreign workers go underground

The federal government has lost track of how many temporary foreign workers have overstayed their permits but plans to start exit tracking as early as 2018, says Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk.

“We really have no idea how many temporary foreign workers stayed in Canada,” Mihychuk admitted to iPolitics in an interview.

“We’ve built, because of this program, a huge underground economy of people that have not exited and we do not track that. We will, starting in 2018.”

In fact, the government plans to begin tracking all categories of people when they leave Canada – not just temporary foreign workers, she said.

“That’s the exit initiative. Right now, it’s only through the U.S. but we’re looking at extending that so we’re tracking exits from Canada in any measure, any way. That will be coming.”

Mihychuk’s comments come as the Liberal government is contemplating changes to the temporary foreign worker program, which allows thousands of temporary workers from around the world into Canada each year to fill jobs that employers maintain they can’t find Canadians to fill – often low-skilled, low-paid jobs such as picking crops or working in fast food restaurants.

In 2014, Citizenship and Immigration department figures estimated the number of temporary foreign workers with valid permits in Canada at 94,109 – down from an estimated 104,125 in 2013. However, as Mihychuk admitted, the government has no idea how many more workers may have remained in Canada after their permits expired who aren’t included in the official numbers.

Speaking to delegates during the Liberal Party’s biennial policy convention, Mihychuk said the Liberal government is planning to introduce a path to citizenship for temporary foreign workers who want to stay in Canada.

“That’s the best goal for all people coming into Canada.”

Later, in the interview, Mihychuk said a parliamentary committee is looking at the issue and the path to citizenship is one option the government is examining.

“One of the options is these are people who have experience in Canada and many of them would like to stay. So if we can look at a system that recognizes their contribution and helps them meet the immigration standards, that would be a win-win for both. So, we’re looking at all options.”

Since being sworn in as minister last November, Mihychuk said she has been hearing troubling accounts of the conditions being faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada.

“It’s concerning – I’m hearing more and more stories from representatives of temporary foreign workers that there are intolerable situations – less than what we would consider standard living conditions, working conditions…I am urging people to speak to the parliamentary committee. A lot of them are nervous because they are afraid that they are going to lose their positions.”

Those living underground are even more vulnerable, she added.

Immigration Minister John McCallum told delegates he also favours providing a path to allow temporary foreign workers to stay in Canada.

“I would say there is a pretty broad consensus among our colleagues…that we prefer that temporary foreign workers have a pathway to permanent residence and I think that is what we will see in one form or another.

“It’s not that every temporary foreign worker wants to become a permanent resident. Sometimes we have Hollywood stars who come here for a few days for movies. I don’t think they want to become Canadians. But our point is that those who do, we would favor pathways to permanent residence.”

Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier suggested that temporary foreign workers could help some of Canada’s regions.

“In regions where the economic structure is seasonal, we could recognize foreign workers to come and move to those areas and stay and be part of Canada.”